Moroccan Kefta Kebab

Kefta is ground beef or lamb, typically mixed with cumin, paprika, minced onion, coriander, and parsley; cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and mint leaves are optional. This recipe includes the traditional quantities of these spices and herbs but you may adjust to your taste.

Seasoned kefta makes a superb grilled kebab (brochette)—the meat mixture is formed onto a skewer like a skinny meatloaf and grilled. The kefta kebabs are delicious with a fresh salad and side of couscous, as well as served on bread with tomato and roasted pepper salad. It is also the foundation of a number of other Moroccan dishes.

You can use lean ground meat, but the classic recipe calls for a higher fat content. Traditionally, the meat, fat, spices and herbs would all be passed through a meat grinder together. A finer grind is preferred. To vary the recipe, you can add up to a teaspoon each of the following: ground ginger, turmeric, Ras El Hanout or minced garlic.

What You'll Need

1 pound ground beef (or lamb, or a combination of the two)

Optional: 3 ounces beef or lamb fat

1 medium onion (chopped very fine or grated)

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves (excellent with lamb)

How to Make It

Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, and let sit for 1 hour or longer to allow the flavors to blend. The kefta is then ready to shape and cook.

To make kebabs, take small amounts of kefta and shape them into cylinders or sausage shapes. Skewer the meat, squeezing it to mold it the skewer.

Cook over hot coals, approximately 5 minutes each side. (It may take less or more time, depending on how hot the coals are, and how thick you shaped the kefta.) Watch the kebabs carefully, so you don't dry out the meat.

Serve immediately, or wrap in aluminum foil to keep hot while you cook additional kebabs.

Rate This Recipe

I don't like this at all.It's not the worst.Sure, this will do.I'm a fan—would recommend.Amazing! I love it!Thanks for your rating!